Mitochondrial DNA characterisation of European isolates: The Maragatos from Spain

Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirms that Maragatos from Spain are a genetic ally isolated human group. Genetic distances between Maragatos and the comp arison samples are significantly different even with the Leon sample (P <0. 001) which shares the same geographic area as the Maragatos. Although the n orth-African haplogroup U6 is present in them, their attributed Berber orig in is weakened, as this haplogroup is also detected in surrounding populati ons with which, in addition, Maragatos have the smaller genetic distances. These U6 haplotypes are ascribed to a pre-historic African colonisation tha t influenced all the Iberian Peninsula. The presence of Neolithic haplogrou ps in this sample suggests that their isolation culture was not absolute un til recent times.